Same Ol' Same Ol'

Again, why can't atheists, who insist on their "Right" to believe or not whatever they want, leave believers alone for their same right? Billboards claiming Christ's birth and life is a myth! Are they threatened by the fact that we have a wonderful hope based on love and faith? Do they feel all should be obligated to believe the same way they do?
How sad to have no hope. It seems they want there to be nothing in the afterlife.
Well, before one chooses to believe there's no loving God, I reccomend Ben Steins "EXPELLED". This film factually shows how ridiculously unlikely "accidental" life is. The "scientists" come close to obliterating their credibility thru their own words (Darwin, by the way, later recanted his theory of evolution and became a Christian). Folks on both sides owe themselves a viewing of this film and "The Star of Bethlehem", again scientifically based.
Yes. You can believe life originated in whatever way you please. But, you do not have the right to steal my faith. Quite honestly you can't, because I won't let you. I have hope and faith in a God who loves me so much, he shed His own Blood for me. You can take church bldg's, the crosses and all the books away. You can not and will not take my heart, my Faith or my Hope. That belongs to my Father above. He earned it, and it's all His, forever.

Small group

Our church small group is watching Ben Stein and "Expelled". I've always believed. Maybe not always like I should've. But, I've always known God was there/here and that Christ is my Saviour.
In this film, though, it's pointed out exactly how ridiculously unlikely "accidental", "Big Bang" life is. For one, ONE CELL to have life, there must be 250 different proteins in exactly the right order. That's like having 250 slot machines all in play at the same time, and all of them coming up cherries. JUST FOR ONE CELL!! That's a GREAT DEAL to ask of scattered material from an explosion, especially of the magnitude evolutionists speak of. How many cells does it take, each one w/ those 250 slot machines all coming up cherries, to make a human body? Then there's the question of all the different forms of life here w/ all of their slot machines coming up just right for their species.
Then, there's the fact that this gift, Earth, is just the right distance from the sun. A few miles closer, we're too hot. No life (as we know it). A few miles farther away, we're too cold. Our atmosphere is just right to ward off angry sun flares. The oxygen mix is just right. So, instead of being a poisonous gas, it keeps us alive. The soil is (was) just right to grow nutritious veggies, fruits and plant life (for that O2 mix).
There are just too many puzzle pieces that, w/ a little shaved off, a chain reaction of wrongs occur as far as supporting or becoming life.
In my mind, and there's much more than just the simplistic thoughts I've keyed here in my blogosphere, there's simply too much that has to be perfect to be left to chance.
So, in conclusion (finally!), logic says God has to be. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here. And where would we be w/out His Grace. Thank goodness He didn't leave that to chance! :-)

From Left Field

I got, what I consider, a surprise notice from God a week or so ago. Every Christmas we receive a card from my ex-wife. I've been burning them or just tossing them in the trash for about ten yrs, now. Just nuisance mail, I figured.
Well, I was informed that these "Greetings" could be a chance to, 1. Right an old wrong, and 2. Remove a smudge I put on the term "Christian".
My ex asked me once, when I was still young and stupid, if she was being punished w/ Diabetes for something she had done in her past. In my ignorance, I said something like, "You must have done something to deserve it". Bam!! Damage to God's name I couldn't undo over the seven yrs we new each other.
The "still, small Voice" let me know all I have to do is get the return address off of the envelope this Christmas. Then, mail a card in return admitting my stupidity and stating God's love for all of us. Next,(and this is where she's going to think I need medication) remind her we have an enemy that hates God and all His creation. he will do anything to turn us away from His grace, and he is a very cruel,jealous enemy.
Why does God allow this? My best explanation is Free Will. He wants us to have faith that He will guide us thru the tough times. He'll be with us thru those times and be on the other side w/ open arms. But, He doesn't want an army of robots that are programmed to love Him. He wants us to love Him freely, in a sense, like we love our parents. We don't ask our parents to prove they love us, we just know. There's a reason He calls us His children, I think. Children have an unquestioning warmth and love, for a time. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a child that didn't emanate that love, and I don't want to.

Aiding the Fight for Life

I really want my wife and myself to begin a ministry, or better yet, a small group about dealing w/ a frightening diagnosis. I know from experience that it would help both victim and caregiver(s). It would really be nice to know God was using me to help others.

My Prayer got an Answer

God painted a smile on my face and put excitement back in my heart Saturday. Johnson & Johnson sent a letter stating I DO qualify for assistance w/ Leustatin.
Thank you, Father!

Church/Family

Sang a song, at our Pastor's request, in church this morning. The one I chose is called, "Best of All", and is about how God has been right here with us from the very worst times to the very best.
Once I was done, I heard the warmest round of applause. When our Pastor mentioned my getting ill, and that he hoped they'd hear more from me soon, the applause came, again. I got lots of hugs, handshakes and requests to sing again soon.They really seemed to miss me. Did wonders for my heart. I felt very loved.

As Gomer would say.....

Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!! Well, one point where I didn't want to be proven wrong :-\ . I received a phone call from the Endocrinologist's office yesterday, Fri.. They want me to increase my hormone gel to a Mon.-Fri. schedule. Crud!
Ah! God knows exactly what He's doing (I've heard that somewhere before :^] ). I'll do what I'm told and buy more Saw Palmetto .

Faithful, yet Mysterious.

After a visit w/ the Endocrinologist, I'm just gleeful w/ how God has remained faithful. Since that day in 2007, when we had a long talk, and I put this disease and its results in His Hands, I've done little else but improve.
The doc was very pleased w/ the reports he's been getting from the Oncologist. He's supportive of my interest in Cladribine. My condition continues to impress him.
Depending on my bloodwork, he may increase my hormone gel dosage by 1 tube a week. I feel fine, though. So, I don't really see any reason for that.
My one question lays in the failure of the embryos. After seeing the heartbreak my wonderful wife experienced, I can't help but respectfully ask, "Why?". Then again, as I've said before, we also have an enemy who is cruel and loveless beyond our wildest imagination.
I can ask God why. But, I can hardly blame Him. If a child is best for us, and if we are best for a child, my Father will make sure it happens. Our foe is powerful. But, his power pails in comparison to the Creator of the universe and all that is in it.

Doubt and Fear

Well, the time has possibly come to "put my money where my mouth is". I talk a good game. But, now that the possibility exists that I could get my hands on Cladribine (Leustatin), I'm scared to death.
This drug lowers the blood count, and it comes w/ a warning not to be exposed to anyone w/ a viral or bacterial illness, or any other sickness that is contagious. So, if I'm such a Godly person, why don't I trust Him and just move forward? With a kid possibly on the way, there's no question whether or not to try the new drug. I'll be a much better Dad off of some of these drugs that screw my mind and balance up.
I have to be here to be a good Dad, though.

Confusion

I watch the History Channel now and again. Last night we were told that Thomas Jefferson was advised NOT to pick Christians to fill teaching positions at UVA, due to the "baggage" they'd bring. I'm a bit surprised at this.
So, what about a Jewish instructor (No offense. I'm making a point), a Muslim instructor, etc.. Our beliefs "should" make us "who" we are and determine how well we do our job. In that environment, beliefs shouldn't enter the mix unless the opportunity arises.
I also need to keep in mind that several of these channels are determined to portray theory as fact. I mean, they talk about the "Big Bang" as if they were there, and evolution like they were in on it.
So, I'll keep my blood pressure level and let God worry about the rest. He's got a better view ;-).

Mojave Cross

Geez! Some people have no respect, or honor anymore. Someone stole a Cross from The Mojave Desert honoring those who have died to keep this country free. So what if it was on park lands. The Supreme Court allowed it. Without those soldiers, there may not be any park lands! Those service men and women paid the highest price for the citizens of this country. They deserve the recognition and prayer. To disrespect them like this is just beneath earthworm level, and I feel sad for those who believe they are standing up for a cause by "STEALING" this symbol that was dedicated to those who can no longer stand for themselves except in memory.
It's not my intention to be judgemental. My intention is to say, "Show some respect". Might as well destroy the statues in DC honoring the people with courage enough to lay the ground work for the US,or the headstones of Vets in a cemetary.
If a person wants to stand against the present fighting, be more creative. Don't degrade those who stood up and fell for us! Makes me think of those who spit on returning Viet Nam veterans. THEY WERE DRAFTED!!! They had no choice unless they wanted to flee to another country and risk never seeing their loved ones again.
By the way, ask a veteran of that war. Many of them continue to fight it to this day in Horrible nightmares, inability to function in society and the residual affects of Agent Orange and torture while being held as a POW. Endure what they went through! Then tell me that dishonoring them should be done without conscience.

Panic Push

I find it a bit sad that the media along w/ the gov't just insists that we live, at least nearly, in a state of panic. First that comes to mind is the "Millenium Bug", then Swine Flu, now it's Dec. 21, 2012 (The End of the World!!). Ever notice how the news is mostly "Bad" news, ie Irans' nuclear build up, troops killed in Afghanistan (Rare that you hear about the relationships many of our service folks form with the people over there), etc.. I have a Facebook friend in Iraq. He tells me they love the troops and don't want them to leave. Yet, what we see is chanting in the streets about "the great satan".
I'm sure I slip up. I ain't perfect. But, I will not be pushed and rumored into a panic. I look at it like this. God loves me. God's in control. God knows exactly what He's doing. What do I have to worry about?
In Matthew 24 it's stated:
"As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately and said, 'Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be of your coming, and of the end of the age?'
Jesus said to them in reply,

'See that no one deceives you

.
For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah,' and they will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and reports of wars;

See that you are not alarmed

, for these things must happen, but it will not yet be the end.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines and earthquakes from place to place. All these are the beginning of the labor pains".
I trust Him, and I know that He won't allow me to suffer more than we can handle together or, if/when I become weak, that He can carry me through. I just need to persevere.

Video Clip

Well, I have an appt. to talk to my pastors' wife tomorrow. She teaches computer imaging, I'll say, at a nearby college. We are working on getting a video clip ready about ECD. We'll be talking about how and where to imbed it to help inform the public about a disease most have never heard of.
Possibility that someone may be interested in "In America". I trust God on both of these.

Companion

It is a wonderful feeling to know God is with me always. He's good company and fun to talk to. :-)

Thought

Ya know, I've been thinking. The Christian "religion" is based on how immeasurably much our Father loves us. We are instructed in His Word to love others as Christ loves us and to help those in need. Yet, people choose to follow a god who says they're a martyr if, in blowing themselves up, they kill followers of other beliefs. They choose to follow a human whom is now deceased. They choose to worship trees, the moon, seasons, etc.. I'm not meaning to judge them. I just don't understand. His Word also tells us that there is no greater demonstration of love than when one person dies for another, say, jumping on a hand grenade in a fox hole to save his/her buddies.
By the way, I have a hard time with Gods' discipline, too. I don't want anybody to follow the enemy on the DOWN escalator. But, if ya think about it, there has to be some pretty heavy penalties to show that God is serious. If there were no punishment, what would be the point in any good. I read an article where a 15 yr old step sister sold her 7 yr old step sister during a party. That 7 yr old girl was gang raped by 5 people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can definitely see the need for Gods' heavy hand at times. I figure, though, that He is God. He knows what's best for the Big Pictures' sake. I'm not going to argue with Him. He knows the beginning, the end (so to speak) and everything in between. How can a person argue with that?

Blame Game

Something I've noticed through the years with hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other things that cause harm or sadness. People are very quick to blame God (The Wrath of God, God's Will, etc.). This isn't very fair or rational. First, if a person doesn't believe in a Higher Power, how can a deity be at fault?! Second and most important, when God gets the blame, someone's being forgotten. The enemy exists for the lone purpose of causing misery. He hates God and all that He stands for. Yet, when a Katrina comes along, or a Haiti, GOD's punishment is being waged.
God loves us. Often times, He doesn't need to punish us because we are left with the remnants of our mistakes. HE knows that the hardest lessons are learned when we have to face the results of our actions or when we must admit we made an error.
And, Yes. God created a once magnificent angel deemed Lucifer. But, that being became very conceited and turned away from his Creator of his own free will. He, for the most part, punished himself. Because he chose to throw his relationship with our perfect, loving Father away. God didn't make the mistake, satan did.